Residents Learn How To Purchase An AED At Escambia County’s Cost

June 1, 2016

A group of residents met Tuesday night at the Walnut Hill Fire Station to learn more about how to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED) at Escambia County’s cost.

Escambia County is giving churches, businesses and even individuals the chance to purchase an AED at the same cost the county received during its last bid solicitation. Public Safety Director Mike Weaver and EMS Chief Steve White informed the small crowd about how and AED works, how to use one in their church or business setting and about available options such as wall cases.

The cost will be $1,317.31 for the AED and associated equipment, according to Mike Weaver. Escambia County Public Safety Director . The vendor is also offering a wall mount cabinet for an additional $99.

“By no means are we trying to ’sell’ this particular AED. It is the same AED that we have chosen for our responders, county buildings and parks. There are other devices and distributors that may be able to offer a lower price that will be shared,” Weaver said.

An automated external defibrillator is a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. The shock can stop an irregular heart rhythm and allow a normal rhythm to resume following sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is an abrupt loss of heart function. If it’s not treated within minutes, it quickly leads to death.

According to Escambia County, AEDs are important because they make it possible for more people to respond to a medical emergency where defibrillation is required. Because AEDs are portable, they can be used by anyone who has been trained how to use them – not only by medical professionals. They can be made part of emergency response programs that also include rapid use of 9-1-1 and prompt delivery of CPR. All three of these activities are vital to improving survival from cardiac arrest.

For more information, contact Escambia County Public Safety at (850) 471-6400.

Pictured top: The AED model offered under an at-cost purchase program with Escambia County. Pictured below: Residents learn about the program at the Walnut Hill Fire Station Tuesday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

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